Sheet retaining device and method of use

ABSTRACT

A sheet retaining device that is attachable to a building component. The sheet-retaining device includes an attachment portion that is adapted to attach to the building component. An extension portion is coupled to the attachment portion. The extension portion extends substantially perpendicular to the attachment portion. An arm portion extends from the attachment portion. The arm portion and the attachment portion cooperate to at least partially define a sheet space.

BACKGROUND

The present invention relates to a sheet-retaining device. More particularly, the present invention relates to a sheet-retaining device suited to retaining building material sheets.

During the construction of a building, such as a new home or office building, materials are often delivered to the building site in bulk. These materials must be stored until they are needed. When needed, the materials are preferably positioned to allow easy access will minimizing damage and waste. For example, drywall (sheet rock) is often delivered to a job site and stacked against the wall studs. In this position, the individual sheets can be taken for use without having to lift the sheet from the ground and without bending the sheet. This reduces the lifting required and reduces the likelihood of damaging the sheet.

However, when leaned against the wall studs as just described, it is possible for the sheets to tip and fall away from the studs. This can cause damage to the sheets and can make it more difficult to pick up the sheets for use.

SUMMARY

The present invention provides a sheet-retaining device that is attachable to a building component. The sheet-retaining device includes an attachment portion that is adapted to attach to the building component. An extension portion is coupled to the attachment portion. The extension portion extends substantially perpendicular to the attachment portion. An arm portion extends from the attachment portion. The arm portion and the attachment portion cooperate to at least partially define a sheet space.

The invention also provides a sheet-retaining device that is attachable to a building component to at least partially restrain a plurality of sheets. The sheet-retaining device includes an attachment portion that is adapted to attach to the building component. An extension portion is integrally-formed with the attachment portion. The extension portion extends substantially perpendicular to the attachment portion. An arm portion is integrally-formed with the extension portion and the attachment portion, and extends from the attachment portion. The arm portion and the attachment portion cooperate to at least partially define a sheet space sized to receive the plurality of sheets.

The invention also provides a method of retaining a sheet of material. The method includes positioning at least one sheet against a first building component. The method also includes positioning a sheet-retaining device adjacent a second building component and the sheet of material such that at least a portion of the sheet of material is disposed within a sheet space at least partially defined by the sheet-retaining device. The method further includes coupling the sheet-retaining device to the second building component.

BRIEF DESCRIPTION OF THE DRAWINGS

The description particularly refers to the accompanying figures in which:

FIG. 1 is a perspective view of a sheet-retaining device;

FIG. 2 is a top view of the sheet-retaining device of FIG. 1;

FIG. 3 is a side view of the sheet-retaining device of FIG. 1;

FIG. 4 is a perspective view of an attachment portion of the sheet-retaining device of FIG. 1;

FIG. 5 is an enlarged perspective view of the attachment portion of FIG. 4; and

FIG. 6 is a perspective view of the sheet-retaining device of FIG. 1 attached to a building component and supporting a plurality of sheets of material.

Before any embodiments of the invention are explained, it is to be understood that the invention is not limited in its application to the details of construction and the arrangements of components set forth in the following description or illustrated in the following drawings. The invention is capable of other embodiments and of being practiced or of being carried out in various ways. Also, it is to be understood that the phraseology and terminology used herein is for the purpose of description and should not be regarded as limiting. The use of “including,” “comprising,” or “having” and variations thereof is meant to encompass the items listed thereafter and equivalence thereof as well as additional items. The terms “connected,” “coupled,” and “mounted” and variations thereof are used broadly and encompass direct and indirect connections, couplings, and mountings. In addition, the terms “connected” and “coupled” and variations thereof are not restricted to physical or mechanical connections or couplings.

DETAILED DESCRIPTION

With reference to FIG. 1, a sheet-retaining device 10 is illustrated. The sheet-retaining device 10 includes an attachment portion 15, an extension portion 20, and an arm portion 25. In preferred constructions, the attachment portion 15, the extension portion 20, and the arm portion 25 are integrally-formed as a single component. For example, the three portions 15, 20, 25 could be cast from a metal such as steel or aluminum. In another construction, an injection molded plastic and/or a composite material is used to form one or more of the three components 15, 20, 25. In yet another construction, the three components 15, 20, 25 are welded to one another to complete the sheet-retaining device 10. In some constructions, one or more of the three components 15, 20, 25 attaches to the other components. For example, the arm portion 25 may attach to the extension portion 20 using a pin or a bolt. This construction has the advantage of reducing the size of the sheet-retaining device 10 for storage purposes.

With reference to FIG. 3, the extension portion 20 extends from the attachment portion 15 along a line that is substantially perpendicular to the long axis of the attachment portion 15. Generally, the extension portion 20 has a cross-section that is similar to a structural beam section (e.g., box-beam, channel-beam, I-beam, T-beam, angle-beam, and the like). The use of a beam section provides for substantial strength and stiffness, while still maintaining a lightweight component.

The arm portion 25 extends from the extension portion 20 at a sheet space angle 30. Generally, the sheet space angle 30 is greater than 90 degrees, with most constructions having a sheet space angle 30 between about 90 and 120 degrees. In preferred constructions, the sheet space angle 30 is about 100 degrees.

The arm portion 25 is generally formed having a similar cross-section as that of the extension portion 20. As illustrated herein, both portions 20, 25 include a substantially T-shaped cross-section. This section provides the needed strength and stiffness and also reduces the weight of the component 20, 25 as compared to other possible cross-sections.

As illustrated in FIGS. 1-3, the attachment portion 15 generally defines a U-shaped space 33 sized to facilitate its attachment to a building component 35, such as a stud (e.g., 2×4, 2×6, and the like). In other constructions, other shaped attachment portions are employed. The shape of the attachment portion 15 is chosen to accommodate the easy attachment of the sheet-retaining device 10 to the building component 35. As such, different shaped building components 35 may require different shape attachment members 15. For example, a round attachment member may be better suited to attach the sheet-retaining device 10 to a circular pipe, beam, or column.

The attachment portion 15 includes two clamp members 40 that are movable between an engaged position and a disengaged position. When in the disengaged position, the sheet-retaining device 10 is movable along the building component 35 and is removable from the building component 35. When the clamp members 40 are moved to the engaged position, the clamp members 40 engage the building component 35 and lock the position of the sheet-retaining device 10.

FIG. 4 better illustrates one type of clamp member 40 suited for use with the sheet-retaining device 10. The clamp member 40 includes a threaded rod 45, a handle 50, and a locking member 55. The threaded rod 45 engages a similarly threaded hole 60 in the attachment portion 15 such that rotation of the threaded rod 45 moves the rod 45 into and out of the U-shaped space 33 defined by the attachment portion 15. The handle 50 attaches to the threaded rod 45 such that rotation of the handle 50 also rotates the threaded rod 45. The handle 50 allows the user to apply additional torque to the rod 45 to provide for secure engagement between the sheet-retaining device 10 and the building component 35.

In some constructions, a ratchet mechanism is employed to attach the handle 50 to the threaded rod 45. The ratchet mechanism allows the handle 50 to be rotated through a small angle, while still rotating the threaded rod 45 through 360 degrees. This can be especially useful when there are obstructions present near the building component 35. For example, when a wall stud is used as the building component 35, it is possible that drywall has already been hung on one side of the stud. This drywall would inhibit complete rotation of the handle 50. However, the ratchet mechanism facilitates easy tightening of the clamp member 40.

The locking member 55 includes a nut 65 that is threaded to the threaded rod 45. When the sheet-retaining device 10 is positioned as desired and the threaded rod 45 is tightened as desired, the user can tighten the nut 65 to lock the threaded rod 45. The tightened nut 65 inhibits unwanted movement of the threaded rod 45. In addition, the tightened nut 65 generally requires the use of a tool, and thus, a concerted effort to remove the sheet-retaining device 10 from the building component 35.

In another construction, the locking member 55 includes a lockable device that requires a key or combination to remove. Such, a lockable device makes it very difficult for unwanted personnel to move or remove the sheet-retaining device 10.

FIG. 5 better illustrates an end 70 of the threaded rod 45 disposed within the U-shaped space 33 defined by the attachment portion 15. The end 70 extends into contact with the building component 35 to clamp the sheet-retaining device 10 to the building component 35. In some constructions, a foot (not shown) is positioned on the end of the threaded rod 45. The foot increases the surface area that contacts the building component 35, thus reducing the likelihood of causing damage to the building component 35. Generally, the foot, if employed, attaches to the threaded rod 45 via a joint such as a ball and socket joint. The joint allows the foot to rotate relative to the threaded rod 45 and assures that the foot makes good contact with the building component 35.

While FIGS. 1-4 illustrates two clamp members 40, other constructions may employ a single clamp member 40. Still other constructions may include three or more clamp members 40 if desired. In addition, other types of clamp members 40 may be employed to attach the sheet-retaining device 10 to a building component 35. For example, a cam device could be employed that moves from the disengaged position to the engaged position with less than a full rotation of the handle 50. One of ordinary skill will realize that many different devices and arrangements could be employed as clamp members 40.

As shown in FIG. 3, the building component 35, the extension portion 20, and the arm portion 25 cooperate to at least partially define a sheet space 75. The sheet space 75 is sized to retain a predetermined quantity of building materials in the form of sheets 80. FIG. 6 illustrates a plurality of sheets 80 leaned up against a building component 35. One sheet-retaining clamp 10 is attached to the building component 35 and positioned over the sheet materials 80. When positioned as illustrated in FIG. 6, the sheet-retaining device 10 inhibits movement of the sheets 80 away from the building component 35 but allows for the removal of the sheet components 80 in a removal direction 85. While FIG. 6 illustrates a single sheet-retaining device 10 positioned to secure a plurality of sheets 80, more sheet-retaining devices 10 could be employed if desired.

In use, the building materials 80 are stacked against one or more building components 35 as illustrated in FIG. 6. One or more sheet retaining devices 10 are then positioned above the sheets 80 such that the arm portion 25 extends over the surface of the last stacked sheet 80. The attachment portion 15 is positioned around the building component 35 and the handle portions 50 are rotated to tighten the clamp members 40. Once the handle portions 50 are tightened, the sheet-retaining device 10 becomes firmly affixed to the building component 35. The locking member 55 is then actuated to lock the clamp members 40 and inhibit the unwanted removal of the sheet-retaining device 10. Sheet material 80 can still be removed from beneath the sheet-retaining device 10 by sliding the sheet material 80 along the sheet removal direction 85.

Although the invention has been described in detail with reference to certain preferred embodiments, variations and modifications exist within the scope and spirit of the invention as described and defined in the following claims. 

1. A sheet-retaining device, attachable to a building component, the sheet-retaining device comprising: an attachment portion adapted to attach to the building component; an extension portion coupled to the attachment portion, the extension portion extending substantially perpendicular to the attachment portion; and an arm portion extending from the attachment portion, the arm portion and the attachment portion cooperating to at least partially define a sheet space.
 2. The sheet-retaining device of claim 1, wherein the building component is a stud and the attachment portion includes a U-shaped portion sized to at least partially cover a portion of the stud.
 3. The sheet-retaining device of claim 1, wherein the attachment portion includes a clamp member movable between an engaged position and a disengaged position.
 4. The sheet-retaining device of claim 3, wherein the clamp member includes a threaded member.
 5. The sheet-retaining device of claim 3, wherein the clamp member includes a cammed member.
 6. The sheet-retaining device of claim 3, wherein the clamp member includes a lock member operable to inhibit movement of the clamp from the engaged position to the disengaged position.
 7. The sheet-retaining device of claim 1, wherein the extension portion is welded to the attachment portion and the arm portion is welded to the extension portion.
 8. The sheet-retaining device of claim 1, wherein the extension portion, the attachment portion, and the arm portion are integrally-formed as a single component.
 9. The sheet-retaining device of claim 1, wherein the arm member and the extension member cooperate to define a sheet space angle and wherein the sheet space angle is between about 90 degrees and 120 degrees.
 10. The sheet-retaining device of claim 1, wherein the building component is a stud and the stud, the extension portion, and the arm portion cooperate to define the sheet space.
 11. A sheet-retaining device, attachable to a building component to at least partially restrain a plurality of sheets, the sheet-retaining device comprising: an attachment portion adapted to attach to the building component; an extension portion integrally-formed with the attachment portion, the extension portion extending substantially perpendicular to the attachment portion; and an arm portion integrally-formed with the extension portion and the attachment portion, the arm portion extending from the attachment portion and cooperating with the attachment portion to at least partially define a sheet space sized to receive the plurality of sheets.
 12. The sheet-retaining device of claim 11, wherein the building component is a stud and the attachment portion includes a U-shaped portion sized to at least partially cover a portion of the stud.
 13. The sheet-retaining device of claim 11, wherein the attachment portion includes a clamp member movable between an engaged position and a disengaged position.
 14. The sheet-retaining device of claim 13, wherein the clamp member includes a threaded member.
 15. The sheet-retaining device of claim 13, wherein the clamp member includes a cammed member.
 16. The sheet-retaining device of claim 13, wherein the clamp member includes a lock member operable to inhibit movement of the clamp from the engaged position to the disengaged position.
 17. The sheet-retaining device of claim 11, wherein the extension portion, the attachment portion, and the arm portion are cast as a single component.
 18. The sheet-retaining device of claim 11, wherein the arm member and the extension member cooperate to define a sheet space angle and wherein the sheet space angle is between about 90 degrees and 120 degrees.
 19. The sheet-retaining device of claim 11, wherein the building component is a stud and the stud, the extension portion, and the arm portion cooperate to define the sheet space.
 20. A method of retaining a sheet of material comprising: positioning at least one sheet against a first building component; positioning a sheet-retaining device adjacent a second building component and the sheet of material such that at least a portion of the sheet of material is disposed within a sheet space at least partially defined by the sheet-retaining device; and coupling the sheet-retaining device to the second building component.
 21. The method of claim 20, wherein the coupling step further comprises moving a clamp member from a disengaged position to an engaged position.
 22. The method of claim 21, further comprising actuating a locking mechanism to inhibit movement of the clamp member from the engaged position to the disengaged position.
 23. The method of claim 20, wherein the first building component and the second building component are the same component.
 24. The method of claim 20, wherein the positioning the sheet-retaining device step includes clamping the sheet-retaining device to the first building component. 